Mixed US Stocks as Nasdaq Hits 2.25-Month High Amid Easing Inflation Concerns
- Easing Inflation Concerns: The US December core CPI rose 2.6% year-on-year, below the expected 2.7%, leading to a 2 basis point drop in the 10-year T-note yield to 4.16%, which in turn boosted stock prices and alleviated inflation worries.
- Energy Stocks Rise: WTI crude oil prices increased by over 1% to a 1.75-month high due to escalating geopolitical risks, as President Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries “doing business” with Iran, driving strong performance in energy stocks.
- Credit Card Companies Decline: Following Trump's statement that credit card lenders would be “in violation of the law” if they do not cap interest rates at 10%, credit card companies fell for the second consecutive day, with Visa and Mastercard down over 3% and 2%, respectively.
- Mining Stocks Surge: With silver prices reaching an all-time high, Hecla Mining and Barrick Mining rose more than 3% and 2%, respectively, indicating strong performance in the mining sector and reflecting increased market demand for precious metals.
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Market Sell-Off: Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs) have sold approximately $85 billion worth of U.S. equities over the last 30 trading sessions, marking the largest 30-day selling wave since the 2020 pandemic.
S&P 500 Correction: Analysts at Morgan Stanley suggest that the S&P 500 correction is nearing its final stage amid ongoing concerns related to the Iran war, with the index losing about 508 points or 7.39% over the past month.
Equity Sensitivity: The sensitivity of equities to rates is at its highest level in several years, with the 10-year Treasury yield closing at around 4.5%, which has pressured stock valuations.
Retail Sentiment: Retail sentiment regarding the S&P 500 ETF is currently in an "extremely bearish" territory, indicating a lack of confidence among investors in the market's near-term performance.

Federal Reserve's Stance on Economic Impact: Jerome Powell stated that the Federal Reserve is not currently addressing the economic effects of the Iran war-induced oil supply shock, emphasizing the need to remain mindful of broader economic contexts when making monetary policy decisions.
Inflation Expectations: Powell noted that inflation expectations appear to be well-anchored beyond the short term, but acknowledged uncertainty regarding the economic impacts of the Iran war and rising energy prices.
Interest Rates and Demand: He clarified that the Fed's primary tool for controlling interest rates affects demand rather than supply, indicating that the rise in oil prices is a supply-side shock.
Monitoring Inflation: Powell stressed the importance of carefully monitoring inflation expectations, as a series of supply shocks could lead the public to anticipate higher inflation over time, impacting businesses and households.

Goldman Sachs Analysis: Goldman Sachs reported that markets are currently too hawkish regarding the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices.
Interest Rate Projections: The probability of the Federal Reserve maintaining interest rates in the current range of 3.5% to 3.75% through 2026 is estimated to be between 79% and 97%, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
Market Sentiment: The market has priced in a larger hawkish shock than historical experiences would suggest, indicating heightened expectations for future interest rate adjustments.
Further Updates: For ongoing updates and corrections related to this developing story, readers are encouraged to follow Stocktwits.

PMGC Holdings Update: PMGC Holdings announced an amended deal with MOA Life Plus to conduct human trials for EL-22 and EL-32, focusing on muscle and lean mass preservation.
Iterum Therapeutics Developments: Iterum Therapeutics filed a winding-up petition in Ireland, set for a hearing on April 13, 2026, while also announcing a significant increase in its stock value.
Lantheus Pharma Progress: Lantheus Pharma received FDA clearance for its new drug application for STAR-001, aimed at treating relapsed or refractory CNS malignancies, and saw a notable rise in its stock.
Market Sentiment: U.S. equities showed positive movement amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with retail sentiment regarding the S&P 500 ETF categorized as "extremely bearish."

Market Decline: U.S. equities have seen a significant decline of nearly 7% since the onset of the Iran war in February, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite currently facing their fifth consecutive weekly losses.
Investor Sentiment Shift: Guggenheim's CIO, Anne Walsh, highlighted that the primary risk to U.S. equities is a shift in investor sentiment rather than inflation, suggesting that persistent high fuel prices could negatively impact consumer and market sentiment.
Potential Market Impact: Walsh warned that if crude oil prices remain elevated around $100 per barrel for three months, U.S. equities could experience a meaningful decline of about 10%.
Investment Recommendations: To mitigate risks, Walsh advised investors to diversify their portfolios, focusing on fixed-income securities, equities, and gold as potential avenues for investment.

President Trump's Deadline Extension: President Trump has extended the deadline for potential strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure to April 6, easing immediate geopolitical fears and allowing for ongoing peace negotiations.
Stock Market Reactions: Following the deadline extension, U.S. stock futures rose by 0.3%, despite retail sentiment towards major ETFs showing bearish trends amid high trading volumes.
AI and Tech Stocks: Nvidia faces backlash over AI developments, while ARK Invest continues to buy into Tempus AI, indicating a divergence within the AI sector. Companies like Microsoft and Meta are also navigating challenges related to legal setbacks and market performance.
Pharmaceutical Developments: Novartis is acquiring a U.S.-based biotech company for up to $2 billion, while Rocket Pharmaceuticals and Novo Nordisk are gaining attention following FDA approvals for new treatments, highlighting significant advancements in the pharmaceutical sector.





